Glenbard West officials help students cope

Pierre Washington-Steel and Demarco Whitley are known around Glenbard West High School for their positive attitudes and big smiles. On Monday, friends and family hoped that optimism carried them through as they battle for their lives.

Emergency workers had to extricate the two from a vehicle on Friday, after it left the road and smashed into a utility pole on Swift Road north of St. Charles Road in Glen Ellyn.

The DuPage County Sheriff's Department provided no further details on the accident Monday, saying it is still under investigation.

The popular football players were on the minds of West students as they returned to class following an emotionally draining weekend.

"We're pretty bummed out," said senior Tim Hollowed, a kicker and linebacker for the Hilltoppers. "They're just great kids. Those are the kids you want to have around."

Hollowed attended a candlelight vigil Sunday evening at Duchon Field that drew about 500 people. But instead of drawing a somber picture, Hollowed said friends and relatives of Washington-Steel, a senior, and junior Whitley turned the emotions into a positive by asking students to pray for the players and to keep hopeful.

"I couldn't imagine being in their shoes, the way they spoke, how strong and how positive they were being," Hallowed said. "The fact they could keep their faith so strong. It's incredible to see how strong they were."

The vigil came together through a Facebook group and chain-texting, Hollowed said.

"Everyone came in quiet, not even really talking," he said. "Once (the speakers) started talking, the family members changed everyone's perspective."

Running back Steve Jones also attended the vigil. The senior said it seemed that the community and family leaned on each other for support.

When he heard of the accident, Jones said, "I was in disbelief. It's still surreal."

He said Washington-Steel and Whitley always have a joke to tell and love to make people laugh.

"They're the funniest kids, I just love being around them," he said. "It's still really hard to believe."

Glenbard West Principal Jane Thorsen attended Sunday's vigil, hours after meeting with administration to put together a plan for Monday. The response included grief counselors and social workers available for students.

"It was very uplifting and inspirational for our kids," Thorsen said of the vigil. "It was something they could do to show support for these two young men, and it was done in such a nice way."

No new information on the players' condition was available Monday but hospital officials confirmed that the students were in critical condition at Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove as of Sunday evening.

Steel-Washington and Whitley were both running backs for the Hilltoppers, who capped a magical season by reaching the Class 7A state championship game in November. Thorsen said the players' involvement with the team has helped students cope.

"That close relationship is a key source of support and was throughout the entire weekend," Thorsen said.

Hollowed said many students wore white Monday to represent their hope that the story has a happy ending. On Sunday, families and relatives shared their own hope for other students.

"They said to keep your perspective," he said. "They said 'Be safe. You're not invincible. Just know that.' They're two bright, wonderful kids. They're real fighters."

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<li><a href="/story/?id=355592">Glenbard West officials help students cope <span class="date">[02/02/10]</span></a></li>

<li><a href="/story/?id=355498">Two Glenbard West players seriously hurt in crash <span class="date">[02/01/10]</span></a></li>

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